Caring for your pet, in sickness and in health

Eve, a Chihuahua mix, sits on an office chair behind the counter at the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. KEN STEINHARDT, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

When a beloved pet is diagnosed with an illness, it presents an array of questions. How will I know what is best for them? Are they in pain? Can I afford the treatment?

Pet owners are becoming more proactive in their pets' health care and concerns. It is not unusual to hear of animals being treated for serious illnesses similar to humans. Chemotherapy and radiation are used to treat many types of cancer beyond the initial surgery.

The San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter is fortunate to work with the Pet Project Foundation, our volunteer-based partner, in determining the ability to treat our animals when faced with serious medical issues such as cancer.

Many of these animals are housed with our foster parents, who provide them with the care and love that is needed during their recovery or in their final stages of life. This gives the animals a more relaxed, less stressful environment to live in, which typically results in a quicker recovery or a more comfortable final home.

Sandra Ackerman is a volunteer with Pet Project Foundation – she has taken care of many of our terminal animals in need. One of those dogs was named Joe Cocker, a blond cocker spaniel that was picked up on a rainy January night. Joe Cocker was so wet and matted that he was unidentifiable as a dog by one of our Animal Control officers. Joe Cocker was seen by a local veterinarian, Dr. John Agostini, and was diagnosed with a mass on his lung. Unfortunately, the mass was cancerous and had spread. Ackerman had Joe Cocker for about 18 months before he stopped eating and enjoying his life. Although his time was short, by living in a foster home he received the care and attention that he deserved.

The San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter and the Pet Project Foundation have addressed the needs of our communities and have offered information on animal illnesses and prevention. We continue to be a resource for animal owners for veterinary care and general information on the care and maintenance of their animals.

One of our goals at the shelter is to promote responsible pet ownership in all areas when caring for an animal. Ideally a pet owner should be aware of the commitment that is involved in owning a pet for life. The general care of an animal should include providing a happy and healthy environment for a pet while also addressing the medical care and maintenance for the animal. In respect to maintaining an animal's overall health, a pet should always receive preventive treatment including vaccinations and parasite control, as well as additional care for any serious illnesses that may present themselves.

– Kimberly Cholodenko is the general manager of Coastal Animal Services Authority in San Clemente.

Eve, a Chihuahua mix, sits on an office chair behind the counter at the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. KEN STEINHARDT, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
KIMBERLY CHOLODENKO COURTESY OF KIMBERLY CHOLODENKO

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.